BAE Works to Protect Troops with New Humvee Design

It’s not often that The Military Wire promotes a specific company – we only do this if in fact the company is worth promoting.

We’ve received no “special” incentives to highlight BAE Systems nor do we have an alliance with this company. So, you, the reader can be assured that the information we bring you on this company is from an objective perspective…well, my perspective at least.

I recently returned from the Association of the United States Army Conference in Washington DC – and aside from the very interesting breakout sessions and press conferences, there was over 500,000 sqft of floor space covered in the latest and greatest technology – all designed to give our soldiers the best protection and competitive edge.

Before I give you the details on the equipment, know this about BAE Systems: they employ over 100,000 people worldwide, can stake claim on being the second largest global defense contractor and have roots that date back some 450 years – back to 1560 when the Royal Powder Factory was established at Waltham Abbey in Essex. These folks aren’t new and they aren’t tied to old ways of thinking; they certainly embrace what is forward thinking.

They took this “forward thinking” into their latest humvee design. BAE studied what some of the shortfalls were with previous designs and made modifications on this latest model.

The reason? To provide additional protection to exiting troops. They designed the lightweight armoring solution with clamshell doors which open out, addressing a long-standing challenge of troops standing little chance of exiting the vehicle with protection.

The new design now ensures occupants in the back of the vehicle get the same opportunity to escape as front occupants.

A few of the other features include:

Mine-blast resistant, energy-absorbing seating

Gunner restraints

TPI hood and peacetime doors

While many may claim that defense contractors make too much money, I’d say this new design is worth every penny – at least from what I can tell. Let me be clear – I’m not giving a blanket endorsement, as there are other designs I’m sure worth mentioning, but this one does stand out – and if one wants to debate the price, ask yourself, how much is one life worth? Especially if it is your loved one?